Coventry-born Charlie Healy has survived band changes and switches and will be appearing alongside winners Little Mix, Misha B, Janet Devlin, Marcus Collins and the other singers when the X Factor Live Tour heads to the NEC LG Arena next weekend.

Charlie was hand-picked by show judge Tulisa Contostavlos to be part of new group The Risk.

They were among the bookies’ favourites to win the ITV show, but left after a shock elimination in week five.

But the band did not let the knock-back kill their music dream and they immediately hit the road and began performing across the UK.

They’ve also been given help and advice from former X Factor runners-up turned chart-toppers JLS. “They’re just really nice blokes. It’s incredible how much success they have had yet they are still the same people who were on the show,” says singer Charlie.

“Marvin said that if there’s anything he can help with to get in touch and since them I’ve asked him a few things about the industry. He has been really helpful. It’s great to have someone like that to talk to.” Charlie says he and The Risk have been gigging non-stop since the TV show and managed to book 70 gigs in 48 hours... breaking the record held by JLS.

“Everywhere we play is packed out which is a real positive,” says Charlie.

The X Factor has helped boost the careers of acts like One Direction, JLS, Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis.

Little Mix were crowned the winners of the last series and the girl band say: “We cannot believe it.

“We’re the first girl group ever to go on the X Factor tour and it means so much to us.

“For us to come on this journey together and now have the opportunity to play some of the biggest arenas in front of people that have voted for us is just mind blowing.”

Fellow singer Misha B says appearing on X Factor can prove a life-changing experience. “Last year I was busking on the streets of Manchester and now to be touring around the UK is just sensational. This is the reality of what dreams can actually become.”

Former Liverpool hairdresser Marcus Collins says he still has to pinch himself sometimes. “I normally think of huge superstars performing in arena tours and now me, who was working in a hairdressing salon in Liverpool, is touring. Who would have thought it?”